From Jim VE1JBL May 1st, 2017

2017 Symposium for Maritime Amateur Radio Technicians

Well after rain threaten to put a damper on things the sun came out early Saturday morning on Apr.29th, for the 2017 Symposium of Maritime Amateur Radio Technicians (S.M.A.R.T.) hosted by the WestCumb ARC in Amherst NS.This year's event was held at the Dr.Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill Nova Scotia.Amateurs started to arrive at 7am and began setting up their displays in the large foyer. Treva Hebb & Jo-Ann Reynolds looked after the Registration table and prepared name tags. There were tables set up for tickets to buy prizes including digital radios and 50/50 tickets thanks to Dana Rushton VE1VOX, Don Roland VE1AOE and Jim Hannon VE1AFH. Thanks to Belair Technologic, N3FJP-Scot Davis, Durham Radio, Radioworld and RAC for the prizes.Dave Goodwin VE9CB Atlantic Director for the Radio Amateurs of Canada and Len Morgan VE9MY Manager of the RAC National Incoming QSL Bureau manned the RAC table. Dave also gave a presentation later in the day on behalf of RAC.John Scott VE1JS had a table and was available to check DXCC, WAS, VUCC and WAC cards, if required. He also did identity checks for those wishing to join LoTW.Ron MacKay VE1AIC from PEI was there again this year displaying and operating many digital modes. His hotspots were running Fusion on UHF, DMR on VHF, and D-Star on another UHF channel all at the same time.Brad Ross VE1ZX also had a table set up to demonstrate his Fusion repeater VE1BFB.Bernie Cormier VE9BGC had a table showing off the upper part of his vertical with radials. It is design for the 20m/15m band. All together it is 32 feet tall. Coffee from Tim Horton's, tea, muffins, cinnamon rolls and cookies greeted the amateurs when the doors opened at 8am. There were 90 amateurs who registered online before the event and 85 attended. We also had two walk-ins for a total of 87 hams.Classes began at 9am in two separate rooms and ran smoothly throughout the day thanks to Yvon Hachey VE1VON who kept the presenters to their allotted time and prepared the rooms for each class.Classes were shutdown during lunch hour between 12 noon and 1pm for the very popular WestCumb ARC Barbecue. Kevin Burke VE1KEV President of the WARC, Mike Masters VE1XDT Vice-President and Robert Mannette worked the barbecues and did a great job throughout the hour. Treva Hebb and Jo-Ann Reynolds changed hats and gave out the burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks to the nearly 100 amateurs, volunteers and maintenance workers who helped out during the day.During the break many amateurs took the opportunity to explore the latest Nova Scotia Public Safety & Field Communications vehicle which was brought up to the event thanks to Al Cyples VE1CYP. Also at this time the new "Out of Trunk" flea market was active with many amateurs making deals buying & selling.Before heading back in for afternoon classes all amateurs surrounded the PSFC vehicle and a group picture was taken. Also Mike Johnson VE1MWJ Cumberland REMO Manager showed off the county's drone and took pictures of the group from overhead. At 1pm classes began again and continued till after 5pm when the final classes from CANWARN and Radio Amateurs of Canada were presented. Thanks to Bob Robichaud VE1MBR from the Atlantic Storm and Prediction Centre in Dartmouth for presenting the CANWARN course. Other presenters included Jean-Paul Leblanc VE9BK, Bernie Cormier VE9BGC, Steve Frost VE9SF, Brent Taylor VY2HF, Sean Bridge VE1XOP, Al Penney VO1NO, Jerry Arsenault VE9CD, Jim Fisher VE1JF, Tom Sisk, Mike Masters VE1XDT, Bill Karle VE1YY and Dave Goodwin VE9CD.I would like to thank the organizing committee for another great event
including Mike Johnson VE1MWJ, Kevin Burke VE1KEV, Bernie Cormier
VE1BGC, Yvon Hachey VE1VON, George Dewar VY2GF.We would also
like to thank the County of Cumberland, Heather Laurie Event Coordinator
at the Community Centre, Joel Stone, Donald Bird, John Parsons and
other staff for all their help throughout the day and made us feel at
home.Last but not least a big Thank You to Treva Hebb
and Jo-Ann Reynolds for looking after the Registration table and also
helping to feed the hungry hams at lunch time. Greatly appreciated.

Please fill out the response form below. Be honest because even if it is negative it will help us to be better prepared for next year.

Comments

Thanks for a great symposium. Great fun and very informative.

Nice to meet so many fellow hams!

Ken Ellis VY2IX - Souris PEI

As a speaker and participant at the first and second SMART, I praise the
organizers, presenters, and participants for engendering a grand event
two years in a row and an event that favourably compares to those of
more 'well healed' organizations!
A two day event sounds enticing. However, it needs to be weighed
against the effect of added participant costs (e.g.: hotel, food, etc.
costs) that might decrease the day 2 audience. As well, staging costs
could double while revenue might not.
SMART will do well to continue to emphasize the technical and scientific
frontiers of the hobby by featuring content on VLF, LF, and u-wave
communications; on SDR and DSP; on small computers (e.g.: Raspberry PI,
Arduino, etc.) and microprocessors applications; and, weak signal and
low SNR communications.
Thank you.

Bill Karle VE1YY - Lantz NS

First, a great job done by the organizers and presenters. The topics
were covered with thoroughness and expertise. The audio part needs some
consideration. A wireless headset and microphone for use by the
presenter would make a lot of sense even if it was rented for the
occasion. Perhaps a link from the presenters title to another page that
might describe the contents would be worthwhile. Looking forward to next
years event.

Jerry Arsenault VE9CD - Fredericton NB

Hats off to the organizers and presenters for pulling off a real class
act. I would like to comment on a suggestion made by Len VE9MY. I like
the idea of having a synopsis available for each presentation posted
online before the symposium. I have mixed feelings about making
S.M.A.R.T a two day event, although I am open to being persuaded.
Looking forward to next year.

Steve Frost VE9SF - Saint Philippe NB

I learned a great deal at the symposium, and really enjoyed the social
aspect as well. Superb presentations, esp by Bernie Cormier on EM noise
and the MESH presentation. Also, displays in the lobby were excellent. I
think the key is to avoid repetition each year. Great organization,
venue, and BBQ. Thank you Westcumb for hosting what has become the
premiere ham radio event in Atlantic Canada.

Bill Sproul VA1BIL - Wilmot NS

I mostly attended sessions in room B. A basic mike & loudspeaker
should be available to hear all the speakers discussion and audience
questions.
- A 2 day event would be welcomed. So many ham topics are available to
enrich our hobby and community service.
- Make sure that you charge enough to cover unexpected costs.
- A possible topic for 2018 could be efficient portable operations,
equipment, antennas, operational aids, etc.

Art Gunn VE9BP - Fredericton NB

I would have liked the Microcontrolers to more
Raspberry Pi and Arduino oriented.

Alan Beck VY2XU - Montague PEI

Great day, very well organized and certainly due to the hard work of the
organizers. Would like to throw out another suggestion, that of making
the vent a two-day event. I found I was having to decide between
presentations, A or B and wanting to attend both. Having the
presentations on the Web site will help in that matter. With an extended
event, it would allow for possibly more presentations. For some time
there has been some discussion on a combined area fleamarket. The SMART,
could be the basis of such an event. I know it is easy to make
suggestions without any thought of the logistics of such, but I am
willing to help if it is felt this suggestion is viable.

Len Morgan VE9MY - Baxters Corner NB

The SMART day was GREAT. The only suggestion I have would be two lines
at the food tables(one on each side) and two tongs for people to do
their own. Otherwise....perfect. Loved the time keeper. Great
Planning.

Linda Friars VE9GLF - Baxters Corner NB

Well Done to the organizing committee for a excellent symposium.
Location is excellent. As a presenter, it would of been nice to have a
pointer. In the large room, the projector could be put further away from
the screen in order to get a larger image.

J.P. LeBlanc VE9BK - Lutes Mountain NB

An excellent event in all respects. Congratulations to all the organizers and presenters.

Hal Rodd VE1LV - Truro NS

I really enjoyed the day at SMART. Great range of topics which were all
interesting, and made it somewhat difficult to decide which one to
attend. All facilitators were very well informed of their topic.
Everything was well timed, just like a "well oiled machine". The
organizers have to be complimented on their planning. The venue for the
event was excellent. Bottom line for me, is to keep up the great work if
a 3rd annual is being proposed. 73..Sterling

Sterling Carpenter VE9SK - New Maryland NB

Everything is perfect. Enjoyed a lot. Thanks. 73.

Ankit Patel VA1NMQ - Halifax NS

Great event again this year. Enjoyed the presentations I attended. I was
wondering if it might be possible to get PPP or PDF files of the
presentations made available that way we could at least get a chance to
see what we missed in the presentations we were not able to attend.
I agree with Doug VE1DFG the lady serving the burgers should have had
rubber gloves and tongs.

Dave Hull VE1HUL - Truro NS

It truly was a great day, met lots of new amateurs took in some classes,
and it was an honor to BBQ for some really awesome people. Cant wait
to see what kind of plans we come up with for the 2018 one. Stay tuned..
and 73.

Kevin Burke VE1KEV - Amherst NS

What a fantastic day of interesting presentations with fellow hams! A
big thank you to the organizing committee. The day was busy but not
rushed. I have a page and a half of notes to check out online. Just one
suggestion - some seating outside in the food area would have been
helpful for the older amateurs. Most of us can stand, eat and chat
though. Will look forward to next year's event. This venue is perfect
for it. ~73 to all.

Jim Cleveland VE1CHI - Crowes Mills NS

Things went well. Registration would have been quicker and simpler if
the lists and the piles of name tags if the lists and piles were in
alphabetical order!!
Perhaps a session on basic, every day operation for newbies could be
considered for next year.

John Scott VE1JS - Sandy Cove NS

Excellent day so congratulations. One note that bothers me and possibly
more. The lady serving the food was doing so with her bare hands without
any tongs or plastic gloves which is standard in serving to the public.
Her hands may have been clean but it's not proper for the public.

Doug Grace VE1DFG - Lower Sackville NS

Great event, well organized and a terrific venue!

Ken McCormick VY2RU - Clinton PEI

Very fine experience! Congrats on the major increase in participation
for the second year...bet attendance will continue to grow.
Yvon was a great help to us presenters.

Jim Fisher VE1JF - Victoria Beach NS

Fantastic day, I am so happy I was able to attend this year - very well
done! Thank you to the organizers for all your hard work and dedication,
and to all the presenters for you time and great information. It was a
personal delight for me to have a chance to meet fellow amateur
operators and hear about your experiences and love of the hobby! Many
thanks to all!

Jason Karle VE1AJK - Middle Sackville NS

A truly great event! Excellent facilities with lots of room and parking,
great presentations and wonderful people. The sharing of information
and interests is what makes amateur radio such a great hobby and the
willingness of the radio community to generously volunteer their time
for the enjoyment and education of all of us. Thank you!

Dana Rushton VE1VOX - Truro Heights NS

Audio recordings of SMART are on my web site. Listen from the bottom to the top. http://www.ve1lv.com/

Hal Rodd VE1LV - Truro NS

Good Morning,

I wanted to thank you and everybody involved. This was a 1st for me and I
truly had an amazing time. The presentations I attended were
informative and the atmosphere was fun & engaging.
Thank you so much!!

Sean Bridge VE1XOP - Merigomish NS

Hi all,

Yesterday
was an awesome day. Jim, Mike, Yvon, Kevin, George and many others
really gave it all and the results speaks for itself. If I had to bring
something out of the event is the feeling of how proud I am to be a
member of the greatest hobby ever. I can't thank you enough for your
devotion and good mature. We should get together soon for a debriefing
while the event is still on our minds. Talk soon.

Bernie Cormier VE9BGC - Greater Lakeburn NB

It was a really great day!

Mike Masters VE1XDT - Oxford NS

Thanks to you and the whole committee for putting on such a well-organized event Yvon and Jim.

Brent Taylor VY2HF / W1PJ - Stratford PEI

Good evening symposium presenters,

On behalf of the
organisation committee of the 2017 SMART symposium I'd like to thank
each of you for your participation this year.

We've heard nothing but great comments from all those that have participated.

We could not have done this without each of your participation.

We've
been asked to see if we could post each of your presentation on the
Maritime amateur website for reference for those that attended the
sessions.

If you are ok with this, could you please forward your presentation to myself or Jim L and we'll get them posted.

Should
you have any comments or recommendation for future events, please send
them our way and we'll discuss them at the committee level.

Again, Thank you for your commitment and help to this endeavor.

Yvon Hachey VE1VON - Dieppe NB

Really enjoyed the event yesterday.

Ron MacKay VE1AIC - Cornwall PEI

(90) Amateurs registered for S.M.A.R.T. 2017

( 71 )

Jim VE1JBL

Kevin VE1KEV

Mike VE1MWJ

Yvon VE1VON

Bernie VE9BGC

George VY2GF

Steve VE9SF

Doug VE9DSO

Hal VE1LV

Bob VE1PR

Brian VE1IQ

Scott VE1QD

Mike VE1XDT

Rick VE1DLH

Bill VE1YY

Jim VE1JF

Bill VA1BIL

Jim VE1AFH

Brent VY2HF

Al VE1CYP

George VE1XP

Dave VE1HUL

Ron VE1BBB

Glenn VE9GJ

John VA1JON

Doug VE1AHF

Craig VE1DSS

Ron VE1AIC

Logan VE1LFS

Eric VE1JW

Rick VE9MTB

Dana VE1VOX

John VE1CM

Michael VE1MBH

Bruce VE1II

Misha VE9GIS

Jeremy VO1JEZ

Chris VA1PYE

Paul VE9TTT

Martin OK2MNM

Scott VE1CHL

Michael VE1LEB

John VE1JS

Dave VE9CB

Ron VE1ZC

Warren VE1MTR

Jerry VE9CD

Sean VE1XOP

Andre VE9ARG

Bob VE1EDP

Len VE9MY

Linda VE9GLF

Ankit VA1NMQ

Derek VE1WRG

Doug VE1FAL

Mike VE1ASE

Peter VE1SM

Tom Sisk

Jason VE6TMR

Francis VE1FFA

Al VE1ZS

Al VO1NO

Ron VE1BIC

Bernd VE9BJK

Art VE9BP

Sterling VE9SK

Alan VY2XU

Ken VY2IX

Jean-Paul VE9BK

Jason VE1AJK

James VE1JCS

Dave VE9CU

Brad VE1ZX

Jim VE1ASR

Marcel VE9ML

Ken VY2RU

Dave VE1DEH

Pravin VE9PKV

Ian VE9IM

Rick VE9RWS

Phil VE1PHL

Sharla VE1SRH

MatthieuVE9MDB

Jim VE1CHI

Ken VE1UF

Bob VY2RG

Doug VE1DFG

Robert Mannette

Treva Hebb

Jo-Ann Reynolds

Don VE1AOE

If you registered and do not see your name on here contact me and I will get you added in. jimve1jbl@gmail.com